Essential Oils for Physical Health

Choose The Best Essential Oils for Physical Health

In todays fast-food, hurry up and wait world it's hard to be as healthy as we would all like to be. Having a poor diet, inconsistent exercise, and high levels of external toxins can leave you unbalanced. Pure oils are key to improving your health without the use of damaging chemicals or drugs with unknown long-term effects. From essential oils for colds to essential oils for pain and even digestion and headaches, pure oils can provide you exactly what you need to achieve optimal physical health.

Distilled from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifloria, tea tree is one of the oils that can be used topically -- good news, because it's great for treating skin problems like fungus and blemishes. You can dab it on acne blemishes with a cotton swab to help clear your skin, or apply it to skin fungal infections like athlete's foot. It's also found in many skin care products. Learn More >>

"Lavender is one of the most versatile oils,” Scarpelli said. "It is more commonly known for its relaxing effects but works on bruises, cuts, and skin irritation too.” Dr. Oz says that the scent of lavender can reduce the levels of stress hormones in your blood. That’s a good reason to put a few drops in your bath in order to help you relax at night. Scarpelli recommends putting a couple of drops of the oil on your hands, rubbing them together and inhaling, then sprinkle a few more on your pillow before you hop in bed. Learn More >>

You're probably familiar with chamomile used as a tea, but the essential oil has similar properties. It's particularly well known for its relaxing effects, which is why the tea is popular to drink before bed. Add to the effect with a few drops of the oil on your pillowcase. Learn More >>

"Peppermint purifies and stimulates the mind. It also can increase mental alertness,” Scarpelli advised. "Dr. William N. Denver of the University of Cinncinati found that inhaling peppermint oil increased mental accuracy by 28 percent.” Peppermint oil is also one of just a handful of oils that can be taken internally, which is fortunate because it’s a great recipe to help indigestion — just mix a few drops in water and drink. Learn More >>

Nina Nelson of the blog Shalom Mama says that frankincense is a must-have essential oil in her home. She uses it both for relaxation, such as in baths, and to help minor cuts and bug bites heal more quickly. "Frankincense has been used for thousands of years,” Scarpelli said. "It can be used for depression, inflammation, immunity, and to increase spiritual awareness." Learn More >>

You may have heard of oil of oregano as a flu fighter. This strong-tasting oil has naturally antibacterial qualities, which is why many think it can help to fight colds and other sicknesses. It is taken topically, often by putting a few drops on the tongue — the taste isn't pleasant but many people swear by it during flu season. Learn More >>

"Lemon oil can be used not only to detox the body but it can also help with acne,” Scarpelli said. If you want a healthy boost in alertness, a bit of lemon oil mixed 50:50 with a carrier is a great way to give your head a lift. Because of its uplifiting properties, lemon essential oil is also good for increasing focus and concentration. As a bonus, it can help keep fleas away when used on your pets. Learn More >>

Another citrus oil, grapefruit essential oil has properties similar to lemon oil. It's a great choice for people experiencing fatigue and it can help you deal with the effects of jet lag. It's also a natural antiseptic so you can add it to your homemade household cleansers to keep your home safe and clean. Learn More >>

This is a great oil to have on hand if you get frequent colds or suffer from allergies that affect your breathing and make you congested. "Eucalyptus can be used to relieve sore muscles and help clear sinuses,” Scarpelli said. "It also has many antibacterial properties and has been known to stimulate the immune system." Use it in a vaporizer to loosen up a congested chest or apply it diluted to the inside of your nose to relieve nasal congestion. But never ingest it or use it on your skin undiluted, as it can be irritating. Learn More >>